{
  "id": 19483343,
  "title": "Sri Lanka launches pilot of Chinese flying taxi service",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/sri-lanka-launches-pilot-of-chinese-flying-taxi-service",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-11T10:14:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/world/world/2026/11/1575544/sri-lanka-launches-pilot-chinese-flying-taxi-service"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has granted permission for a Chinese company to commence testing a prototype two-seater air taxi, officials declared on Wednesday during a flight demonstration in the capital. The Civil Aviation Authority announced that EHang, a Chinese manufacturer, has been granted a licence to evaluate its EH216-S aircraft, which boasts vertical take-off and landing capabilities and is powered by 16 electric motors. The aircraft was demonstrated with a brief flight, carrying Ports and Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka and his deputy Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku as the inaugural passengers.\n\nKodithuwakku informed reporters that Sri Lanka is joining a competitive race among numerous nations striving to introduce passenger-drone services. Many countries worldwide are pursuing this objective, and Sri Lanka has now become part of that race. He stated that the testing phase could extend for approximately five months before commercial services may be permitted. Promoters aim to establish an air-taxi service connecting the airport and the Colombo city centre, a trip that typically takes about half an hour by road.\n\nSri Lankan authorities disclosed that the EHang EH216-S is equipped with 16 electric motors and 16 propellers, carries 12 battery packs, and has a maximum take-off weight of 620 kilograms. The aircraft is capable of operating for around 25 minutes and covers a maximum distance of up to 30 kilometres.",
  "summary": "COLOMBO: Sri Lanka has authorised a Chinese manufacturer to begin testing a pilotless two-seater air taxi, authorities announced Wednesday at a flight demonstration in Colombo.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}